Lab Manager | Mountain Limnology Lab, Boulder

The Mountain Limnology Lab (MLL), established by Dr. Isabella Oleksy (PI) at the University of Colorado Boulder, is seeking a Lab/Data Manager (Professional Scientist I). The scientist will live in or near Boulder, CO, and will work under the supervision of Dr. Isabella Oleksy. Applicants who have previously demonstrated self-motivation and passion for research will receive special consideration. The MLL is dedicated to creating a safe work environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all.

Our lab is also committed to helping all members achieve their professional goals, and we will provide opportunities for intellectual and professional development as a part of this position (e.g., conference and workshop attendance, networking with other water professionals in the region). Any questions about the position should be directed to Bella (Isabella.

Oleksy ).

Required qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.
• Experience in the field of freshwater ecology or limnology required.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, chemistry, geography, hydrology, or related fields
• 2-3 years specialized experience in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to multitask, delegate, and work as part of a larger team; highly organized

Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, chemistry, geography, hydrology, or related fields
• Experience conducting field work in all weather conditions required (at least 2 days of field work a month are expected, year-round, with higher frequency June-August)
• Willingness to work occasional long days or weeks, particularly during the summer months (weekend work is extremely rare)
• Previous research experience preferred
• Adaptability in the face of evolving plans; ability to think quickly and change plans on the short notice while ensuring integrity of work and safety of crew
• Management of teams and organizational experience in any setting is preferred.

The Lab/Data Manager will coordinate and implement tasks associated with field research in lakes and streams and laboratory research with field-collected samples. The approximate breakdown of job duties is 30% field work, 20% lab work, 40% research and development, and 10% service and meetings. Specific responsibilities:

Lab duties:

• Ordering lab supplies and equipment to both continue the assembly of a biogeochemistry lab space and ensure inventory of existing lab supplies
• Ensuring lab safety compliance, proper waste management, and maintaining associated record keeping
• Updating and maintaining accessible standard operating protocols for laboratory analyses and field work, and training all group members on common procedures
• Work with PI to continuously optimize space use and workflows
• Basic processing and inventorying of field samples in the lab immediately upon field collection (e.g., filtering and preserving water samples)
• Leading or overseeing the quantification of major water quality analyses (e.g., chlorophyll a, dissolved organic carbon, total dissolved nitrogen, pH, conductivity, acid neutralizing capacity, nitrate, and phosphate)
• Working with other PRAs and other lab staff to analyze samples and maintain lab space
• Calibrating field sensors (YSI, mini
  
  DOTs, LiCOR PAR, etc) on a regular basis and sending equipment back to factory when necessary
• Training and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in lab and field protocols
• Carrying a heavy pack 5-10 miles to sample remote mountain lakes across Colorado with one or two field assistants in all seasons and weather conditions
• Leading associated scheduling and logistics for field trips across multiple projects; working with graduate students to help them plan their field campaigns
• Ensuring that preparation for the field and processing after field work are done in a timely manner
• Setting up, installing, and maintaining buoys with various sensor types in assorted alpine lakes
• Maintaining existing stream gages…